Former Dougherty State Court Judge John Salter addresses well-wishers Friday after he was honored with a portrait unveiling ceremony. Salter’s portrait, seen in the background, will hang in the Dougherty County Courthouse.

ALBANY, Ga. -- Former Dougherty County State Court Judge John Salter was honored with the unveiling of his portrait in a ceremony before a packed Superior Courtroom Friday following the swearing in of his successor, Victoria Darrisaw.

The portrait will hang in the Dougherty County Courthouse.

When Salter, who spent 20 years as a state court judge, learned he would be honored with a portrait, he excitedly called his son, James, and exclaimed, "they are going to hang my picture in the courthouse and have a ceremony!" Salter said. "Then James asked, 'what if no one comes?'"

"I thought about that and decided I'd piggyback on Victoria's swearing in because I knew there would be plenty of folks here for that."

The courtroom erupted with laughter.

Earlier, Dougherty Superior Court Chief Judge Willie Lockett, who worked with Salter, thanked him for having much to do with his personal success.

"I want to thank Judge Salter for having confidence in me and I also want to thank him for being a friend," Lockett said.

Taking the podium after his portrait was unveiled, Salter pointed to teamwork for his success.

"Nobody can be a judge of a high-volume court like a state court without a capable team, and I had a capable team, Salter said.

Just who funded that Portrait? Isn't this self egrandizment at the Taxpayer expense? How many people, besides Politicians of one form or another, are so honored? We are told we need to tighten our Governmental Belts, but there is still funds for this sort of thing? Time to quit with all the honoraia, and use the money to provide needed services, and possibly a raise to Governemnt workers. Oh I forgot, Congress and our President just did that didn't they? Once more it is the position you are in. Make any pay raise or engrandisement of Politicians pass a Public Vote.